**Introduction to Insulin** Insulin is a life-saving hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Produced naturally by the pancreas, insulin helps cells absorb glucose for energy. For those with Type 1 diabetes (and some with Type 2), synthetic insulin is a critical medication, administered via injections or pumps. Modern insulin formulations include rapid-acting, long-acting, and intermediate options, offering flexibility in diabetes management. Advances like insulin analogs and smart delivery systems have improved safety and convenience. Proper dosing, timed with meals and activity, helps prevent complications like hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. As a cornerstone of diabetes care, insulin empowers millions to lead healthier, more active lives.
Preparation Process: Insulin is prepared through recombinant DNA technology. The human insulin gene is inserted into a plasmid vector, which is then introduced into host cells like *Escherichia coli* or yeast (*Saccharomyces cerevisiae*). The host cells are cultured in large fermenters under controlled conditions to produce proinsulin. After fermentation, the cells are lysed, and the inclusion bodies containing proinsulin are isolated. Proinsulin is solubilized, refolded, and enzymatically cleaved to remove the C-peptide, yielding active insulin. The product is purified using chromatography (e.g., reverse-phase HPLC) to ensure high purity. Finally, the insulin is formulated into sterile solutions or suspensions for therapeutic use.
Usage Scenarios: Insulin is a peptide hormone used to regulate blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus. It facilitates cellular glucose uptake, promotes glycogen synthesis in the liver, and inhibits gluconeogenesis. Administered via injection or insulin pump, it is essential for managing Type 1 diabetes (where insulin production is absent) and advanced Type 2 diabetes (where insulin resistance or deficiency occurs). Different formulations—rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting—allow tailored glycemic control. Insulin therapy prevents hyperglycemia-related complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney damage. Proper dosing, timing, and monitoring are crucial to avoid hypoglycemia. Biosynthetic human insulin and analogs (e.g., lispro, glargine) improve efficacy and safety.